Controversial Battle Royale game, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, is still banned in Pakistan, despite a court order to unblock the title.
Better known as PUBG, the game’s use of violence and its alleged addictive qualities have been a source of concern for many countries across the globe, including Iraq, Jordan and Nepal, all of which have previously banned the online game.
Earlier this month, the Islamabad High Court ordered Pakistan’s telecommunication authority (PTA) to unblock PUBG, and approved a petition filed against the PTA’s decision to ban the game.
However, the PTA has now revealed in a press release that they will not unban PUBG, despite the High Court demanding it be done “immediately.” The news comes from Pakistani news network Samaa [via DotEsports].
The press release reads: “PTA has issued a detailed order regarding blocking of online game PlayerUnknown’s Battle Ground [PUBG]. The order has been issued in accordance with Islamabad High Court’s orders after a hearing conducted by PTA on July 9 and in accordance with the provisions of PECA [Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act] 2016.
“PTA provided an opportunity of hearing to concerned parties including PUBG’s lawyers. As per the order of the Authority, the PUBG game shall remain blocked in Pakistan. PTA has also approached PUBG management to inform about a suitable framework to address key concerns. No response has been received from PUBG so far.”
PUBG has been blocked in Pakistan since the beginning of July, with the PTA claiming they had “received numerous complaints” stating “that the game is addictive, wastage of time, and poses a serious negative impact on the physical and psychological health of children.”
They also cited suicides which are also allegedly linked to the game, writing: “According to media reports, cases of suicide attributed to PUBG game have been reported.”
At the time of writing, PUBG Corp has yet to comment on the controversies, though it seems as though the game will be staying banned in Pakistan, at least for a while.
Featured Image Credit: PUBG Corp